Barrel - Audio Cables

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
AK-AV502

AK-AV502

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE AUDIO RCA HI QUAL 1.5M

1762

770-20011-00100

770-20011-00100

CnC Tech

CABLE 2RCA MALE-MALE 1M

245

10-03217

10-03217

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSEM 3.5MM 4CON M 3M

472

IO-IC109005-T2MCH-2R

IO-IC109005-T2MCH-2R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN MONO 5'

28

35HR14435X

35HR14435X

Switchcraft / Conxall

CABLE STEREO PLUG-PLUG 12FT

69

IO-IC109003-T2MBK

IO-IC109003-T2MBK

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE BLACK/GOLD CONN MONO 3'

22

IO-IC109020-M2MBL

IO-IC109020-M2MBL

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE SHARK BLUE CONN MONO 20'

27

CA-0843R

CA-0843R

Tensility International Corporation

CONN CABLE ASSY 3.5MM

0

IO-BP176010-T3MCH-R

IO-BP176010-T3MCH-R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN STEREO10'

24

10-03412

10-03412

Tensility International Corporation

CBL TWIST LOCK F 3.5MM 3C PNL MN

600

P314-006

P314-006

Tripp Lite

CABLE ADAPTER 3.5MM-M 2 RCA-M 6'

291700

AK3030-2

AK3030-2

ASSMANN WSW Components

CABLE RCA DBL PHONO PLUG/JACK

0

P314-012

P314-012

Tripp Lite

CABLE ADT 3.5MM-M 2 RCA-M 12'

802300

CA-2204

CA-2204

Tensility International Corporation

CABLE ASSY R/A 2.5MM STEREO 6'

734

10-03221

10-03221

Tensility International Corporation

CBL ASSEM 3.5MM 4CON R/A M 4.5M

235

IO-IC109015-T2MCH-2R

IO-IC109015-T2MCH-2R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN MONO 15'

25

IO-IC109010-T2MCH-R

IO-IC109010-T2MCH-R

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE CHR/GOLD 90 CONN MONO 10'

18

35HR30035X

35HR30035X

Switchcraft / Conxall

3.5MM MOLDED CABLE STEREO

34

HPACB3

HPACB3

TPI (Test Products International)

CABLE RCA MALE/MALE 2M HIPRF BLU

0

IO-BP176010-M3MBL

IO-BP176010-M3MBL

Io Audio Technologies

CABLE SHARK BLUE CONN STEREO 10'

21

Barrel - Audio Cables

1. Overview

Barrel-style audio cables are cylindrical connectors with a central pin and surrounding sleeve, designed for analog audio signal transmission. They are widely used in consumer electronics, professional audio equipment, and industrial systems. Their compact design and reliable signal integrity make them essential for audio connectivity in modern technology.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional FeaturesApplication Examples
3.5mm Barrel (TRS)Balanced stereo audio transmission with tip-ring-sleeve configurationSmartphones, headphones, portable audio devices
6.35mm Barrel (1/4")High-fidelity audio for professional instruments and studio gearElectric guitars, amplifiers, mixing consoles
RCA BarrelUnbalanced analog audio/video signal transmissionHome theaters, DVD players, AV receivers
XLR Barrel (Mini)Balanced microphone-level signals with locking mechanismProfessional lavalier microphones, broadcast equipment
Fiber Optic BarrelDigital audio transmission via light pulsesHome theaters, digital audio interfaces

3. Structure and Composition

A typical barrel audio cable assembly includes:

  • Conductor: Oxygen-free copper (OFC) or silver-plated copper for low resistance
  • Insulation: Polyethylene or Teflon dielectric material
  • Shielding:Braided copper mesh + aluminum Mylar foil (100% coverage)
  • Contact Plating: Gold-plated brass or phosphor bronze contacts (10-30 m thickness)
  • Outer Jacket: PVC or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) for flexibility

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterImportance
Conductor Material (e.g., OFC, Silver-Plated)Determines signal clarity and resistance (0.05-0.2 /m typical)
Shielding Effectiveness (SE)Measures EMI/RFI protection (60-100dB @ 100MHz)
Frequency ResponseDefines audio bandwidth (20Hz-20kHz standard, up to 40kHz for Hi-Res)
Impedance MatchingEnsures signal integrity (75 for RCA, 45-150 for XLR)
Insertion LossSignal attenuation metric (<0.5dB @ 10kHz for premium cables)
Durability (Mating Cycles)Connector lifespan (1,000-10,000 cycles rating)

5. Application Fields

  • Consumer Electronics: Headphones, gaming headsets, portable speakers
  • Professional Audio: Studio monitors, PA systems, live sound equipment
  • Automotive: In-dash audio systems, hands-free calling interfaces
  • Medical: Hearing aids, diagnostic audio equipment
  • Industrial: Machine-to-machine audio communication systems

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative Product
Audio-TechnicaAT-BARREL-PRO - 6N oxygen-free copper cables with dual shielding
BelkinStudio Pro 3.5mm - Gold-plated connectors, 98% braided shield
MonsterPowerPlay HD - 24K gold contacts with nitrogen-injected dielectric
NeutrikNCJ6FX-B - XLR barrel connectors with nickel-plated brass construction
SonyPremium Balanced Cable - 40kHz frequency response for Hi-Res audio

7. Selection Recommendations

Consider these factors when selecting barrel audio cables:

  1. Signal Type: Balanced (TRS/XLR) vs. unbalanced (RCA)
  2. Environmental Stress: Exposure to bending (flex life rating), temperature (-20 C to 70 C typical)
  3. Impedance Matching: Critical for long cable runs (>5m) to prevent signal degradation
  4. Termination Type: Soldered vs. crimp-style connectors for mechanical reliability
  5. Compliance Standards: RoHS, REACH, and UL certifications for safety requirements

8. Industry Trends

Key developments shaping the barrel audio cable market:

  • Transition to hybrid cables integrating USB-C/Thunderbolt with analog barrels
  • Nano-coating technologies for IP67-rated waterproof audio assemblies
  • Biodegradable TPE jackets addressing environmental concerns
  • Smart cables with embedded chips for signal equalization and authentication
  • Miniaturization trend: 2.5mm barrels gaining traction in wearable devices
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